Overview
Costa Rica: Coast to Coast with Tortuguero
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Costa Rica! From the Caribbean coastline and tropical rainforest canopies to captivating city sights, your Central American tour of Costa Rica is rich in countless ways. Explore the untouched beauty of jungle ecosystems, with expert naturalist guides, to discover mangrove trees, rivers, coastlines, nature preserves, and national parks in the country’s colorful landscapes and legendary villages. This tour of Costa Rica is by no means roughing it, however! You’ll return to the relaxation and rejuvenation of your hotel or lodge each day to find all the creature comforts of home in luxurious style! This is a Small Group Discovery tour to awaken the senses, naturally!
Highlights of Costa Rica: Coast to Coast with Tortuguero
City Highlights
Related Tours
Transportation
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour:
- Guided sightseeing in Tortuguero National Park, including wildlife cruises through the canals and a rainforest walk with a local expert
- Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum
- Scenic cruise along the [LF] Tárcoles River through mangrove forests with crocodile and bird sightings
- Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Stay at a rainforest resort in Arenal with views of the volcano, nature trails, hot spring fed jacuzzi, and more
- Guided tour of Arenal Hanging Bridge’s canopy trail to spot flora and fauna
- Evening soak and dinner at [LF] Eco Termales natural hot springs near Arenal
- Guided sightseeing includes a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and a walking tour of La Fortuna
- Scenic drive around Lake Arenal and through the Tilaran Mountain range
- 2-night stay in Guanacaste with ample free time for optional excursions, beach time, or other ocean activities
UNESCO Sites
Area de Conservaci�n Guanacaste
Product Group
Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
Notes
Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Local Guide services will be provided as outlined in the itinerary.This vacation visits remote locations where hotel facilities may not be up to the first-class standard you expect from Globus. Some lodges may not have air-conditioning, televisions, and other amenities you would expect from most Globus hotels. Some transportation segments on the extension are shared with other travelers.
Meals
11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Your hotel will be available for check-in the afternoon. A Globus representative will provide details about your Tortuguero National Park adventure. Please note: The Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Services will be provided as outlined in the itinerary. You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in San José.
Day 2
SAN JOSÉ–TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Shell Games Journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica’s main exports being harvested. Later, board a motorboat for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and briefing at your lodge before free time before dinner this evening. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWONDERS OF NATURE Your time in Tortuguero National Park includes naturalist-guided visits to the bio-diverse park—home to many species, including white-faced capuchin, howler, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, tapirs, ocelot, manatees, and jaguars! The area is also famous as the annual nesting site for the five species of turtles.
Day 3
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Natural Beauties A local naturalist accompanies you on a guided cruise of the remote yet extensive Tortuguero canals. Watch for abundant wildlife, including over 125 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles, and over 375 species of birds. Return to the lodge for a nature walk into the rainforest with your naturalist guide who explains the flora commonly found here and its uses. This afternoon, visit the small town of Tortuguero and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum in the protected nesting habitat and largest green turtle rookery in North America, as well as Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley turtles. Please note: nesting of the sea turtles typically occurs between mid-July to mid-October. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CONSERVATION MATTERS The Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum has been working with green turtles in Tortuguero since 1959, making it the world’s oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. Learn about sea turtle species that nest in Tortuguero, their life cycle, migratory routes, the research that was started in the early 1950s, and preservation efforts to help protect these endangered species.
Day 4
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK–SAN JOSÉ Make Waves A morning boat cruise and drive take you back to San José where you will meet your Tour Director. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC RIDE Pass the plentiful fields of banana trees on your way to San José where the Costa Rican plantations produce this main export to the rest of the world.
Day 5
SAN JOSÉ–GUACALILLO–MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Welcome to The Jungle! Take a morning drive to Guacalillo for a [LF] tropical mangrove cruise on Tárcoles River. Enjoy lunch before continuing south to the town of Quepos, home of Manuel Antonio National Park in the Central Pacific region of the country. Scenic drive to the Pacific shore to Manuel Antonio for a free evening. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Explore the Tárcoles River by boat, home to the largest colonies of crocodiles in the world, recorded as having between 80 and 240 individuals per mile of river. Travel along the mangrove, an extraordinary ecosystem featuring four different species of mangrove trees, providing an important nesting site for birds, including the beautiful scarlet macaw, and a shelter and nutrient spot for many fish and invertebrates. As the boat approaches the riverbanks, get a close-up look at wild crocodiles, each up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the scarlet macaw, the estuary also hosts over 250 different kinds of birds, including kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, great herons, anhingas, night herons, and many more!
Day 6
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA Explore, Relax, Rediscover Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with your guide this morning, then return to the resort for lunch followed by a free afternoon and evening. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group for a guided walk in search of sloths, toucans, monkeys, and more in the natural sanctuary of Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide will take you for a hike through the paths of this beautiful park where you will be able to see many species of birds and mammals, and at the end you will have chance to enjoy some time in one of the beaches into the park, all of them recognized as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Day 7
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK AREA–LA FORTUNA–ARENAL AREA Tropical Treasures Depart the Costa Rican coast for the rainforests. Visit the outdoor adventure hub of La Fortuna for free time before continuing to Arenal area. Free time this afternoon to experience the resort’s amenities. (B,D)
Day 8
ARENAL AREA. ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE–ECO TERMALES HOT SPRINGS Rainforest Canopies & Thermal Springs Morning at leisure. This afternoon, join a naturalist guide for a tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which combines trails and suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy, to search for flora and fauna. This evening, drive to nearby famous [LF] Eco Termales Hot Springs for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools before dinner at the hot springs. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEWONDERS OF NATURE Towering high above, Arenal Volcano is a perfect conical shape. It was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica with its lava flowing and gas consistently flowing from the crater amazing visitors of the area. In 2010, it entered a resting phase. But, because of the seismic activity of the area, you will find some of the best natural thermal hot springs.ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with your morning at leisure to consider an optional horseback ride or float trip, or simply relax while enjoying your resort’s amenities or walk along the shaded trails nearby. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
Day 9
ARENAL AREA. EXCURSION TO LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Lava Love On a guided visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, see lava trails and how nature has found a way to recover from past lava flows in this dramatic landscape. Next, a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Return to the resort for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Ever since the 1500s, locals considered Arenal to be a mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968, when what appeared to be a peaceful mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days, covering more than 15 square kilometers with lava, rocks, and ash, affecting crops, livestock, and properties across three towns. From that time until 2010, Arenal Volcano was quite active, often spewing out rocks, lava, ash, and smoke. Join your small group for an up-close view of this dramatic landscape on a guided visit to the park.
Day 10
ARENAL AREA–GUANACASTE Unplug & Recharge Bid farewells to the rainforest, as we depart for the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Start the journey with a scenic drive around Arenal Lake before descending the Tilaran Mountain range to reach the plains of Guanacaste’s countryside and finally to the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach. The evening is at leisure to relax or take in the sunset. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT The Tamarindo Diriá Beach & Golf Resort, your home for the next two nights, is surrounded by exotic, lush, beautiful tropical gardens and with direct access to the beach, a stunning sunset is only a stroll away. Soak in the beauty of Costa Rica then with a lazy evening on the beach. Ask your Tour Director for the best spots on the sand to stretch out for pure relaxation on the pristine shore.
Day 11
GUANACASTE A Day at Leisure Full day at leisure to relax at the poolside, explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Costa Rican adventure with your fellow travelers. (B,D) ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Exciting ways to spend your free time in Guanacaste include rainforest canopy tours, zipline, river rafting or floating down the Corobici River, horseback riding, and fishing. Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean, or just relax on the beach. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.
Day 12
GUANACASTE Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Doubletree Cariari | This sustainable Costa Rica hotel is typical of San Jose colonial hacienda architecture and offers spacious, comfortable guestrooms and suites with the latest amenities. Enjoy total convenience in its location, personalized services, delicious cuisine, and facilities like the pool and fitness center. Let the friendly staff help you relax while catering to your needs and helping you see all that Costa Rica has to offer. | San Jose | San Antonio de Belen | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Evergreen Lodge | Built in respect of its surrounding nature, the Evergreen Lodge provides travelers with absolute comfort, great food, and most importantly, an unobstructed experience with nature. A beautiful dining room with soaring ceilings provides first class meals in an atmosphere that reflects and compliments the jungle paradise surrounding it, and friendly staff welcome you to this magical place called Tortuguero. | Tortuguero | Tortuguero National Park | First-Class |
| 3 | Parador Resort & Spa | Uniquely set among luxuriant coastal rainforest overlooking Costa Rica's famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Hotel Parador Resort & Spa sits atop a 400-acre secluded peninsula surrounded by wild beauty. Amenities include five restaurants, three bars, a spa, four pools, fitness center, tennis court, mini golf, nature trails, business center, gift shop, and an activities desk. | Quepos | Manuel Antonio, Punta Quepos | First-Class |
| 4 | Volcano Lodge & Gardens | With an exceptional location and views of Arenal Volcano, this hotel surpasses expectation in comfort, service, and class. Guests will feel at ease with modern room amenities, clean lines, and tasteful décor. Dining options, spa services, and a choice of pool and lounge settings make your stay in Arenal unforgettable, as well as its convenient access to the wildlife and nature surrounding it. | Arenal | La Fortuna | First-Class |
| 5 | Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort | This stunning property is a paradise along the shores of Northern Costa Rica. Elegant and modern accommodations are accented with local flare, while the hotel's facilities and features exceed expectation. The Tamarindo Diria Resort provides beach access, soothing pools surrounded by vegetation, and a variety of options to try local cuisine, all constant reminders that you are far away in a tropical escape. | Guanacaste | Playa Tamarindo | First-Class |
